Prospera Credit Union to lead shoreline cleanup at Alouette River

March 29, 2023

Local banking means investing in Local Good.

 
Pitt Meadows, BC – On Friday, March 31, senior leaders from Prospera Credit Union will don their rain gear and head to Alouette River to do some Local Good through an Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup. 

The Prospera team will spend the afternoon picking up harmful trash to reduce the devastating impact of debris that ultimately ends up on our shorelines and in our oceans.  

“As an organization, we’re financially, emotionally and culturally invested in the local communities we serve,” says Prospera Credit Union President and CEO Gavin Toy. “The Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup is an opportunity for us to come together and do our part to protect the watershed in one of our local trade areas – it's Local Good in action!”   

The Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup program is one of the largest direct-action conservation programs in the country, inspiring Canadians to take action in their communities wherever water meets land, one bit of trash at a time. Volunteers can sign up to participate in clean-ups taking place in their local communities or organize their own events. Participants are encouraged to submit a data tracking card with details on the amount and type of litter they collect, providing Ocean Wise with valuable data that informs research and action to stop pollution at its source.   

Prospera Credit Union is donating $10,000 to this program in support of building vibrant, healthy communities. 

“As a community-based credit union, it’s part of our DNA to ensure we have a positive impact on our members, our communities and the environment,” says TJ Schmaltz, Chief People and Legal Officer at Prospera. “As part of our ongoing commitment to advancing our environmental, social and governance (ESG) focus at Prospera, we’re proud of our long-standing collaboration with Ocean Wise to help protect our oceans and address climate change.” 

“Taking part in an Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup is an incredibly impactful activity that makes a real difference for our ocean,” says Laura Hardman, Director of Plastic Initiatives at Ocean Wise. “Incredible volunteers instantly reduce pollution in our environment, but also, by collecting valuable data on what they find, help us catalyze much needed action by business and policy makers”. 

About Prospera Credit Union:     

Local banking means investing in Local Good.    

Built on more than 75 years of service in local communities, Prospera Credit Union is a community-based, purpose-driven organization that offers a full range of financial products and services. Prospera is one of the largest credit unions in British Columbia, with approximately $6.7 billion in assets and 120,000 members. With 26 branches, Prospera is proud to serve communities throughout the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Okanagan. It’s our vision to help build vibrant, healthy communities, thriving local enterprises and financially empowered people.  

Media Contact: mediarelations@prospera.ca 

About the Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup®: 

The Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup, presented by Loblaw Companies Limited, is one of the largest direct-action conservation programs in Canada. We provide families, businesses and community groups the opportunity to take action to protect waterways in their community and address pollution at its source. ShorelineCleanup.ca 

About Ocean Wise®: 

Ocean Wise is a globally focused conservation organization with the vision of a world in which oceans are healthy and flourishing. We’re focused on tackling three major ocean challenges: overfishing, ocean pollution and climate change through research, education and direct-action conservation programs. Ocean Wise’s Plastic Free Oceans initiative seeks to rid the ocean of harmful plastic through programs including the Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup, the Microfiber Partnership, the Plastic Wise Pledge and the Plastic Reduction Program aimed at restaurants and food service businesses. Ocean Wise is based in Vancouver with staff and initiatives across Canada. Ocean.org